USB over IP on Windows Using Free and Open Source Tools

Usb Over Ip On Windows

In the age of wireless everything, the reliable old USB port still powers many of our essential devices. But what if you need to access a USB device that’s not exactly within reach? With USB over IP for Windows, you can make your USB devices accessible from another computer on the network, without needing to install expensive software or buy additional hardware. And yes, you can do this entirely with free, open-source tools!

Let’s dive into setting up USB over IP using free and open-source software on Windows, so you can access printers, sensors, and other peripherals from any device, wherever they are on your network. Get ready for a low-cost, high-reward way to share USB devices!


What is USB over IP, and Why Do You Need It?

USB over IP lets you share USB devices over a network so that other computers can access them as if they’re plugged in directly. Think of it as giving your USB devices the freedom to roam (virtually, anyway) without needing long cables or complicated setups. It’s especially useful if you’re working with devices like 3D printers, scanners, or Zigbee hubs that would typically require a dedicated USB port on each computer.

USB over IP BenefitsWhy It’s Useful
Remote Device AccessLets you control a USB device on another machine across the network.
No Extra Hardware NeededFree open-source solutions eliminate the need for dedicated USB hubs or cables.
Cost-EffectiveUse open-source software without licensing fees or subscriptions.
Centralized Device ControlManage shared devices like printers or scanners from a single, central location.

In short, USB over IP lets you access USB devices without all the cords and clutter, and best of all, you can do it without spending a penny.


Free and Open-Source Software for USB over IP on Windows

Several open-source tools can help you set up USB over IP. Here are the most popular options:

SoftwareMain FeaturesPlatform
USB/IPFully open-source, supports USB-over-IP sharing across various platformsWindows, Linux
RemoteFX (Hyper-V)Built-in Windows feature for USB redirection on virtual machinesWindows only
Linux as a HostUsing a Linux server as the host for USB/IP, allowing Windows clients to connect over the networkLinux (Host), Windows (Client)

Method 1: Setting Up USB/IP on Windows

USB/IP is an open-source project that lets you share USB devices over IP. Although originally designed for Linux, USB/IP can be installed on Windows, allowing you to share USB devices across the network. Let’s go through the setup.

Step 1: Install USB/IP on Your Windows Host

  1. Download USB/IP: Since USB/IP isn’t officially supported on Windows, you’ll need a Windows-compatible version. You can find it on GitHub—look for the latest USB/IP Windows binaries.
  2. Install the USB/IP Driver: Unzip the download, right-click usbip.inf, and select Install. This installs the USB/IP driver on your Windows machine.
  3. Run USB/IP as Administrator: Open the Command Prompt as an Administrator and navigate to the USB/IP directory.

Step 2: Share the USB Device on the Host

  1. List USB Devices: In the Command Prompt, type:usbip.exe list --local This will list all USB devices connected to your machine, along with their USB IDs.
  2. Bind the USB Device: Find the USB ID of the device you want to share. Then, type:usbip.exe bind --busid <device-id> Replace <device-id> with the actual ID (for example, 1-1).
  3. Start USB/IP Sharing: Your USB device is now shared over IP and can be accessed by other devices on the network.

Step 3: Install USB/IP on the Client Machine

On the computer where you want to access the shared USB device:

  1. Install USB/IP as Above: Follow the same installation steps on the client machine.
  2. Attach to the Shared Device: In the Command Prompt, type:usbip.exe attach --host <host-ip> --busid <device-id> Replace <host-ip> with the IP address of the machine hosting the USB device, and <device-id> with the USB device’s ID.

Once you’ve done this, the USB device should appear on the client computer as though it’s plugged in locally.

Pro Tip: If your connection drops or the device stops appearing, try reattaching by repeating the usbip.exe attach command.


Method 2: Using RemoteFX USB Redirection with Hyper-V (Windows VMs Only)

If you’re using Hyper-V on a Windows Pro or Server machine, RemoteFX USB Redirection can allow USB-over-IP functionality within virtual machines. This is a built-in feature for USB redirection, but it’s limited to Hyper-V environments.

Step 1: Enable Enhanced Session Mode

  1. Open Hyper-V Manager: Go to Hyper-V Settings in the right-hand pane.
  2. Enable Enhanced Session Mode: Under Enhanced Session Mode Policy, check Allow Enhanced Session Mode.
  3. Allow Local Resources: When connecting to the VM, select Show Options > Local Resources and select the USB devices you want to make available in the VM.

Step 2: Connect to the VM

  1. Start the VM in Enhanced Session Mode.
  2. Select USB Devices: When prompted, choose the USB devices you want to pass through to the VM.

The USB device should now be accessible within the Hyper-V virtual machine. Although this feature doesn’t work for all USB devices, it can be useful for basic peripherals like printers or thumb drives.


Method 3: Use a Linux Host with USB/IP to Share with Windows Clients

If you have a Linux server available, it can act as the host for USB/IP, allowing you to connect Windows machines to any USB device plugged into the server. This setup works well if you already have a Linux box running on your network.

Step 1: Set Up USB/IP on the Linux Host

  1. Install USB/IP on Linux:sudo apt-get install usbip sudo modprobe usbip-core sudo modprobe usbip-host
  2. List Available USB Devices:usbip list --local
  3. Bind the USB Device:sudo usbip bind --busid=<device-id>

Step 2: Connect from the Windows Client

Once the Linux host is set up, follow the USB/IP installation steps for Windows as described earlier to connect to the shared USB device. Just specify the Linux server’s IP address as the host when attaching the device.

Why Use Linux as a Host?
For setups where you have a central server (like a Raspberry Pi), this allows you to use USB/IP without relying entirely on Windows, which can be finicky with USB/IP. Plus, it’s a solid option if you’re running Home Assistant or another service on a Linux box and want USB access.


Comparing Open-Source USB over IP Solutions

Here’s a quick look at the pros and cons of each open-source solution for USB over IP on Windows:

MethodBest ForEase of SetupCostCompatibility
USB/IP on WindowsGeneral USB devices on Windows-to-Windows setupsModerateFreeGood, works on most devices
RemoteFX in Hyper-VUSB redirection for Windows VMs onlyEasyFreeLimited to Hyper-V
Linux Host with USB/IPMixed environments with Linux server as hostModerateFreeBroad compatibility across OS types

Takeaway: USB/IP is the most versatile option, working with a wide variety of devices. RemoteFX, though limited, can be helpful if you’re working specifically within Windows VMs on Hyper-V.


Security Tips for USB over IP

When sharing USB devices over the network, keep these security tips in mind:

  1. Network Security: Ensure devices are on a secure network to prevent unauthorized access.
  2. Limit Access: Only share devices with trusted machines and restrict usage where possible.
  3. Use Firewalls: If possible, use firewalls to protect the IP ports used by USB/IP traffic.

Final Thought on Security: Open-source solutions like USB/IP are powerful but don’t come with the same built-in security features as paid software, so securing your network is key.


The Verdict on USB over IP with Free and Open-Source Tools

USB over IP doesn’t have to break the bank! With USB/IP and other open-source solutions, you can set up reliable, remote USB access on Windows without spending a dime. Whether you’re connecting devices across the office or setting up a remote workstation, these tools provide flexible, budget-friendly options.

Enjoy the freedom of moving USBs across the network—no extra cables required.